Kota Kinabalu: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan alleged attempts by certain parties at the Federal level to weaken his party ahead of the Nov. 29 Sabah election by offering cash for division leaders to defect.
Jeffrey said the party received reports that several division chiefs were called to a meeting where they were asked to leave the party and offered money in return.
“This means money politics is back. They are using money to buy our leaders, especially those who are not candidates. I do not rule out that candidates will also be offered money,” he told a press conference, Sunday.
Jeffrey said so far two constituencies were implicated. “Kuala Lumpur is still playing ‘cash is king’ politics. I am extremely disappointed.” He urged Sabahans not to repeat past mistakes by falling prey to money politics, pointing out that the consequences would damage the State itself.
“Do not be fooled by their tactics, because when Sabah becomes more backward and falls back into the hands of national parties, future generations will condemn that mistake,” he said.
Jeffrey said the real struggle must come from citizens brave enough to defend Sabah’s rights and ensure political power remains with local parties.
“Forget about leaders for a moment. I hope ordinary people will rise up this time, stand up and be counted. Ensure power is returned to local parties and leaders so that political rights remain in Sabah and the State is governed by Sabahans,” he said.
